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How do you get rid of puffy eyes?

Periorbital edema is the proper term for "puffy eyes." It refers to swelling in the area around the eyes, known as the eye orbit. But what causes periorbital edema and how might it be treated?

People can have periorbital edema in one or both eyes. When a person has periorbital edema, inflammation around the eye causes fluid to build up. It is this buildup of fluid that gives the eye orbit a puffy appearance.

Treatments for periorbital edema are dependent on the cause. This article explores the various causes and treatments for periorbital edema.

Fast facts on periorbital edema:

The term refers to inflammation or puffiness around the eyes.

There are many different causes of the condition from health to lifestyle.

It is not in itself serious and is usually temporary.

What is periorbital edema?

Periorbital edema may affect one or both eyes.Image credit: Klaus D. Peter, 2008

Periorbital edema is not the same as having bags under the eyes, which is a natural part of aging. Instead, it is a health condition and is normally temporary.

Numerous different causes may lead to inflammation around the eyes, and they all result in a fluid buildup. It is the fluid buildup that gives the eye orbit a swollen appearance.

For some people, periorbital edema may come on slowly. This type of periorbital edema is described as chronic. For others, it may come on quickly and it is then referred to as acute.

Treatment options

Whatever the cause of periorbital edema, the following treatments may help to reduce swelling:

Cutting down salt intake: A salty diet can increase the amount of fluid a person retains. A low-salt diet can help to reduce fluid retention in the body, including around the eyes.

Drinking more water: Staying hydrated can help to reduce fluid retention, which can help reduce any fluid buildup around the eyes.

Using a cold compress: Cooling the affected areas with a cold compress can help to reduce the inflammation.

Corticosteroids: This type of medication can be applied as cream to the skin or taken as a tablet. It helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including around the eyes.

Anti-inflammatory medication: Medicine such as ibuprofen may be taken orally or applied to the skin. This helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including around the eyes.

Other treatments available for periorbital edema are specific to the cause. These include:

Antihistamines: These help to reduce swelling around the eyes if it is caused by an allergic reaction.

Lifestyle

Eating too much salt: Having a diet that is high in salt can make the body retain more fluid.

Drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol can cause dehydration. When a person drinks lots of alcohol frequently, it may cause fluid retention.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking can cause hormonal imbalances. This may lead to fluid retention.

How is it diagnosed?

A doctor may carry out a blood test to help diagnose periorbital edema.

If a person thinks they may have periorbital edema, they should speak to a doctor. A doctor can help to diagnose the underlying cause.

Tests that a doctor may carry out include:

blood tests

allergy tests

skin biopsy

imaging tests

First, the doctor will examine the affected area. Then, they may ask general health and lifestyle questions to establish a cause. Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor may then carry out a series of tests.

Takeaway

Often, home remedies or over-the-counter treatments help to reduce symptoms of periorbital edema.

Sometimes periorbital edema has a more serious underlying cause. A doctor can help to diagnose this and recommend appropriate treatment.

If a person suspects swelling around the eyes is caused by an anaphylactic shock, they should seek emergency medical treatment.

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